Monday, June 12, 2006

The Crazy Caniacs

If you want a model for how fans should support their team and behave, the Hurricanes might be your best bet. They might have the league's best collection of tailgaters. They come early, hold a cookout and enjoy themselves immensely. In the Finals, they have been polite and respectful toward the Canadian national anthem. You don't hear a peep from anyone during the singing of O Canada. They sing the U.S. anthem and everyone shouts "Red" when that word pops up in the song. The Hurricanes play in red uniforms. And this group cheers loudly and passionately for its team. It's doubtful there is any building with louder fans.

This is not intended as a shot to Edmonton fans because they, too, have supported their team to phenomenal levels, but Carolina fans have been something else. The Caniacs are as rabid a group of fans as any out there. (Even if it sometimes takes hot girls and hotdogs to get them to the game.) For what is supposedly not a hockey city, the Hurricanes have a solid representation of knowledgable bloggers covering the team: there's red and black hockey, Sweet Tea, BBQ and Bodychecks, Stormbringer and Cason Blog. Even Ron Francis has gotten into the act this postseason.Over the weekend, Bill Clement asked if the NHL can take the South by storm? Well, whether or not the 'Canes go on to win the Stanley Cup, I think the team has at least started to capture their attention.Wednesday night shall be nutty.